Polalizing generator

[Steve H.]

Hello to all,

I am in the final stages of reassembly on the '56 and will be starting it for the first time soon. I know that it is important to polarize the generator but my question is, if I use a battery cut off switch will I need to polarize the generator each time I re-energize the system or is it a one time deal?

Thanks,
Steve

[John H.]

Re: Polalizing generator

Steve -

I had battery disconnect switches on all my C1's, and never had to polarize unless I had the generator off the car and disassembled.

[Steve H.]

Re: Polarizing generator

Thanks John.

[Brett H.]

Re: Polarizing generator

In my experiences, once you polarize the unit, a battery disconnect switch will not affect it.

Brett

[Jack H.]

Technically....

service guidelines teach mechanics to re-polarize a generator every time the battery is disconnected and re-connected. But, this is simply an exercise in good electrical due diligence.

Once a generator has been properly polarized, it's pretty much good for the duration UNLESS it's been disconnected for a LONG time (years) and/or it's seen 'extremes' in temperature or shock/vibration during the disconnect period to disturb the prior polarization. That's why most will tell you it's no problem using a battery cut-off switch....

[David Dawdy]

Re: C1 Generator,VR Polarization, etc..

After installing a new wiring harness and voltage regulator, I connected my generator and gauge per the 1960 AIM, polarized and noticed that the 'BAT' gauge was reading positive as I cranked the engine. I thought that I had polarized improperly, so I checked and tried again and the result was unchanged. Puzzled, I later ask my good friend and guru who responded that there was a wiring error in the AIM indicating a reversal of the ammeter gauge wires. I have yet not tried reversing the wiring, is this true?

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Polalizing generator

According to my "long lost" CHILTON's Repair & Tune Up Guide for 53 - 62 Corvette Copyright 1971 for POLARIZATION (note I personally wrote in the back of the book to myself): CROSS ARM & BAT on Volt Reg (make you a small wire) do this for a very brief period and you are now correctly polarized.

I also found another handwritten note in the back of the book by yours truly. The steering arm (3rd arm) replacement bearing is a BOWER 5206-KS; perhaps Mr. Lucia wants to address this....

Jimmy Blakely

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Generator,VR Polarization, etc..

>>>>After installing a new wiring harness and voltage regulator, I connected my generator and gauge per the 1960 AIM

David, Yes the AIM is wrong. They have the RED and BLACK reversed in the diagram. Wire them the opposite and you'll be fine.

Rich

[David Dawdy]

Re: C1 Generator,VR Polarization, etc..

Thanks guys, It's done and things are back to normal.